CJ enjoying his new role at Mansfield Town

CJ Hamilton is enjoying his new role as Mansfield Town’s right wing back.

After being used mostly as a left winger last season, new boss David Flitcroft has elected to harness the terrifying pace of Hamilton from the back this term and in Tuesday’s 6-1 hammering of Accrington Stanley, Hamilton set up the fifth goal for Danny Rose before netting the sixth himself at the end of a delightful 26-pass move.

Hamilton said he is also learning every day about the defensive side of his job – and enjoying every minute of his new challenge.

“Being a right wing back, it’s about positioning defensively – you’re part of a back five at times – but I am enjoying it,” he said.

“I have adapted quicker than I thought I would.

“I want to get myself more advanced up the pitch and that’s what we are working on at the minute. And I want to try to get more goals and assists.

“The gaffer has been telling me how to slot in. And Futch (assistant manager and former defender Ben Futcher) has been helping me as well, telling me how to get my position right so you don’t give yourself too much to do. I fancy myself in a one-to-one battle with anyone.

“I am more confident now than when I joined the club – I believe in myself a lot more.”

Hamilton said he was fitter than ever after the pre-season work and all the players were now strong enough to keep up the pace until well after the end of games.

“Pre-season was built on a lot of fitness-based stuff,” he said. “The manager wanted to get everyone running faster and stronger and last throughout a game.

“But people now look like they could run for another half-hour after a game, we are so fit and want to keep going.

“I feel a lot fitter myself. I’m covering a lot more distance in games at a lot higher speeds – I do a lot more sprints than I was doing last year.